Events

HRH Princess Anne visits British Columbia

CMFMAG Team May 15, 2024

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Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence was in British Columbia last weekend to attend the commissioning ceremony for His Majesty͛s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays.

Princess Anne made a special visit to the Military Family Resource Centre in Esquimalt, where she met with military family members and those who support services at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC), including CFB Esquimalt Base Commander, Capt (N) Kevin Whiteside and his family.

Princess Anne and her spouse, Retired Admiral Sir Tim Laurence spent time speaking with military families, volunteers and partners of Esquimalt MFRC. The Princess Royal spoke to everyone in the room. The event had over 100 guests. Image courtesy of Kalyan Studios.

Princess Meets With Military Families

“The children were very excited to meet Princess Anne,” said Jackie Carle, Executive Director of EMFRC. “It was a great opportunity for military-connected families to see how they are appreciated and supported. The Princess is part of a family steeped in service, and therefore, it is wonderful to see Her Royal Highness mingle with our families who support their loved ones in the military.

“We feel privileged to be included in the very busy itinerary for this Royal visit. I am sure it will be something our families and volunteers will relish and talk about for years to come.”

Princess Anne is one of the most active members of the Royal Family, involved with more than 300 charities, organizations, and military regiments in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Executive Director Jackie Carle welcomed Her Royal Highness to the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (EMFRC) where she and her husband met with military family members and those who support services at the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre,. Image courtesy of Kalyan Studio.

Canada’s Colonel-in-Chief of the 8th Canadian Hussars

As Canada’s Colonel-in-Chief of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s), HRH toured Gods Acre Veterans Cemetery on Saturday and laid a wreath to pay her respects and honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.

The Royal Princess also visited the archives and collections space of the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, which was founded with an initial donation by Her Royal Highness’s late father, Prince Philip.

Upon her arrival in Canada on Friday 3rd May, The Princess Royal attended the Commissioning Ceremony for HMCS Max Bernays – the Canadian Pacific Fleet’s first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel. Image courtesy of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Commodore-in-Chief of Canadian Fleet Pacific

The Commodore-in-Chief of Canadian Fleet Pacific also laid a wreath during a ceremony at the BC Legislature to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic–the largest and longest of the Second World War, during which Canada lost 24 warships and 4300 Canadian Forces and merchant marine members.

Upon her arrival in Canada on Friday 3rd May, The Princess Royal attended the Commissioning Ceremony for the HMCS Max Bernays – the Canadian Pacific Fleet’s first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel. The Princess Royal also had an opportunity to tour the ship and meet some of its company.

Battle of the Atlantic

The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence attended the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Parade where she laid a wreath at the British Columbia Legislature Cenotaph durning the Battle of the Atlantic Parade on 5 May 2024.

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous battle of the Second World War and the Parade commemorates the service and sacrifice of the thousands of Canadians who fought for control of the North Atlantic Ocean to supply the war effort from 1939 to 1945.

On Saturday 4th May, Her Royal Highness laid a wreath at God’s Acre Cemetery as President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The historic cemetery, in Esquimalt, is the final resting place of more than 2,500 military personnel and their families. Image courtesy of the British Royal Family.

More Stops on Tour

Her Royal Highness visited the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and presented prizes at the Spring Dinghies Regatta. She also

As Patron of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, Princess Anne’s final visit was with the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association, where she met with staff, board members, clients, and their families.